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Each Departments

Role of Each Department (GSJ)

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Geology Department

Geology Departmentcarries out mapping and fundamental research on the regional geology of the Japanese Islands. Regional geological maps on the scale of 1:200,000, 1:500,000 and 1:1,000,000 have been compiled for all Japan. At present about 70% of Japan is mapped at the smaller scale of 1:50,000. The current program aims to complete detailed mapping of Japan at this scale. The department includes specialists in stratigraphy, paleontology, structural geology and petrology. [--> Geology Dept. Page]

1:50K map of "CHOKAISAN and FUKURA"

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Marine Geology Department

Marine Geology Department consists of four sections: Marine Geology, Marine Resources and Environment, Marine Geophysics, and Marine Sedimentology. The main program is geological mapping of the continental shelf area around the Japanese islands and territories. The geological data collected through this program is useful for the evaluation of marine resources and submarine conditions, and the prediction and mitigation of natural hazards. Material cycling is another important area of study which contributes to better understanding of change in the regional and global marine environment, and of the interactions between sea water and oceanic crust which control the formation of marine minerals. The GSJ marine geology

Coral Community of Kerama Islands

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Environmental Geology Department

Environmental Geology Department studies the effects of subsurface modification and construction, the evaluation of water resources (including ground water pollution, desertification, and aquifer disposal of CO2), the disposal of nuclear wastes, and the prediction and mitigation of geologic hazards. The current research emphasis is on urban geological mapping and the compilation of a hydrogeological database and on application of satellite remote sensing to regional geological mapping. Geologic mapping of active volcanoes and related research help to understand the processes which form volcanoes, cause eruptions, generate magma and transport eruption products. Staff of this department also monitor geometry changes and volcanic gas emissions, and active eruptive episodes at Mts. Izu-Oshima, Teishi, Unzen, and Kuju. [--> Environmental Geology Page] Pyroclastic flow on Mt. Unzen

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Earthquake Research Department

Earthquake Research Department aims to predict earthquakes and characterize their features for the prevention and mitigation of disasters. The tragic 1995 Hyogo-ken Nanbu has greatly increased social demands for earthquake research. On July 1, 1997, the department was established in order to study active tectonics based on surveys of active faults, fracture processes using rock-fracturing experiments in the laboratory, and short-term earthquake prediction by monitoring ground water. [--> Earthquake Research Page]
Surface fault rupture associated with the 1995 Earthquake

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Geothermal Research Department

Geothermal Research Department carries out basic research on geology, geochemistry and geophysics in geothermal fields in order to understand thermal phenomena within the earth's crust. It also conducts research projects concerning deep-seated geothermal resources. Research for the development of exploration technology in geothermal reservoirs is carried out in collaboration with the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) under the auspices of the New Sunshine Project promoted by MITI. The department is responsible for evaluation and analysis of survey data from NEDO and for supplementary tasks to the NEDO's projects. The major objective of the activities

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Department of Mineral and Fuel Resources

Department of Mineral and Energy Resources conducts research on metal, non-metal and hydrocarbon resources, including research on the genesis of ore and hydrocarbon deposits to find new resources and reserves, and on the development of new exploration techniques. A resource database system has been created. The current emphasis is on the characterization and genesis of hydrothermal mineral ore deposits, unconventional hydrocarbon resources, such as gas hydrates, and water-rock interaction related to radioactive waste from power plants. [--> Mineral and Fuel Resources Page]

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Geophysics Department

Geophysics Department has developed various techniques for precise imaging of the subsurface structure of the earth. Research on crustal dynamics is also carried out using up-to-date simulation techniques. Understanding the structure, physical characteristics and processes of the earth's crust is essential for the exploration and development of energy and mineral resources, and mitigation and prediction of natural hazards. [--> Geophysics Page]

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Geochemistry Department

Geochemistry Department conducts fundamental research on chemical processes and behavior of elements and isotopes, including organic matter, on the Earth and in the solar system. Advanced analytical techniques are used for radiometric age determination of rocks and minerals, and to provide chronological data for geologic substances. The preparation and world-wide distribution of reliable geochemical reference samples is another major project. This geochemical research is applicable to many aspects of geologic processes, environmental assessment and exploration of natural resources. [--> Geochemistry Page]

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International Geology Office

International Geology Office promotes the global sharing of geological information by facilitating collaboration GSJ and geoscience organizations all over the world. There is a focus on utilizing advanced technology in the accumulation and utilization of data for international geological correlation, regional tectonics, prevention of geohazards, mineral exploration and global environmental issues, especially in the east and southeast Asian regions. The office seeks the implementation of geoscientific projects under agreements between nations or organizations

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Geological Information Center

Geological Information Center has three major functions: publications, library and computer applications in geoscience, including digital mapping. Current emphasis is placed on improving the quality and efficiency of internet/intranet communication. Relevant information from the publications office and library is now on-line, and frequently referred to. A database of geologic literature on the Japanese islands (GEOLIS) is available through the internet at URL http//www.aist.go.jp/RIODB/GEOLIS/. Other areas of development are automation of geologic data, high-quality graphic presentation, and statistical and geographical analysis. (See also GEOLIS.)

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Geological Museum

Geological Museum is open to public and exhibits specimens of minerals, rocks, and fossils as well as the results of current research at GSJ. The museum possesses more than 400,000 geological specimens. Curatorial and descriptive information on each specimen is stored in a computer database. Special exhibits on current research topics, 3-D geological maps, replicas of outcrops as well as video movies attract visitors each year.

Curatorial work and descriptive studies on the gelogical specimens of the museum's collection are conduced by staff scientists. In 1993, the number of registered specimens of minerals, fossils and rocks total about 21,000, 14,000 and 60,000, respectively; these constantly increase with the research and development activities of the GSJ. The geologic specimens are managed under a computer-aided registration and retrieval system named GEMS II.

Entrance hall of the museum

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Hokkaido Branch

Hokkaido Branch was established in 1948. Hokkaido is the northernmost and the most recently developed district of Japan. This frontier island is rich in natural resources, yet vulnerable to natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. The branch has been conducting field surveys for geological mapping and assessment mineral, and energy (coal, petroleum and geothermal) resources. Current research addresses challenging problems associated with ground pollution, volcanic hazards, earthquakes and climate change in the local, regional and global environments.

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The Osaka Center

The Osaka Center carries out investigation and consultation concerning the geology, geologic environment and mineral resources in the Kinki District (Kyoto to Osaka) and its vicinity.

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To GSJ HomePage [Outline of the Geological Survey of Japan, 1997 (c) GSJ, modified by GRC/TM 1998-08-23/1994-08-29]